Football Chronicles - Netherlands vs. Portugal

 

Netherlands will be looking for their first victory over Portugal in 20 years, when they face them in the group stage of the 2012 European Championships, here is a feature about the rivalry between two teams that have much in common.

http://www.aljazeerasport.net/news/football/2012/06/2012616184829774730.html

Football Chronicles - Russia vs. Czech Republic

An Arabic language feature that was published on Al Jazeera Sport website on June 7th 2012 before the EURO 2012 clash between Russia and Czech Republic.

http://www.aljazeerasport.net/news/football/2012/06/20126721102281815.html

The 1,456-words article is focusing on three of the most memorable matches between the two nations.

Their first ever meeting in the 1960 European Championship semi-final. Back then, USSR defeated Czechoslovakia 3-0 to reach the final, where they also beat Yugoslavia to become the first European champions.

Another memorable encounter between the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia was their 1976 European Championship qualifier in Kiev. It ended in a 2-2 draw, a result that meant USSR failed to qualify to the finals for the first time.

The third and final  remarkable match was the entertaining 3-3 draw in the group stage of EURO 96. A late equalizer from Vladimir Smicer gave the Czechs a place in the quarter finals as the Italians failed to beat Germany and finished third in the group.